Lyonnais unveils ‘A Sign From On High / Modern Calvary’

A sun-baked landscape that’s both vast and majestic sets the scene for Lyonnais’ “A Sign From On High / Modern Calvary” video, which found its way onto the Internet over the weekend.

It’s one of the more epic cuts from the group’s debut album, Want For Wish For Nowhere (Hoss Records), which, as a whole, builds on juxtapositions of sometimes abrasive, sometimes serene drone pop and experimental post-punk atmospherics. “A Sign From On High / Modern Calvary” draws things out a bit with a looming minor-key resonance that feeds one of Lyonnais’ most dramatic and ethereal numbers so far.

There are also a lot of references folded into picture here, culminating in several not-so-subtle nods to the Sisters of Mercy’s “Dominion/Mother Russia” video, and specifically to Anton Corbijn’s videography with Joy Division, Front 242, Echo & the Bunnymen etc. — all rendered in stunning HD color. Scenes from the video were shot on locations around the world, including Atlanta, London, and Morocco; some of which may look familiar as they also appear in such films as Lawrence of Arabia, The Last Temptation of Christ, and Orson Welles’ Othello. It takes that whole post-modern chic thing that Lyonnais has going on to a whole new dimension.

Lyonnais plays Space 2 on Wed., May 23rd with Dylan Ettinger, Featureless Ghost, and Anticipation. Free (donations accepted). 9 p.m.